Heavy Duty Needles!

[Nic Ramirez]

This question is directed at all you leathersmiths out there.

I need to get some heavy duty sewing needles for my mini survival kit.

I had an experience sewing (awled) leather:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=2435852#post2435852

And in the process broke 2 "heavy duty" needles. From the way they snapped I would guess that they are stainless crap. They looked strong as they were the right size.

Can anyone recommend a set/brand of real, heavy duty sewing needles? Maybe a link?

I'm not looking for that little wooden handled tool with the spool. That is a great tool but much too big for my little "altoid" kit.

Thanks guys-

 

[Wild Rose]

Nic
Contact Mid-Continent Leather 1-800-926-2061 and get a catalog. They carry various types of Osborne Needles including sail makers needles that are in sizes from 9 gauge ( .144") on smaller.

 

[Dan Gray]

AKA, hand sewing shoe makers needles
I got these from a Dexter shoe, shoe shop.
I have not broken one yet..

http://www.knivesby.com/dan-sheath-tutor-1.html

 

[Wild Rose]

Yeup, those will work too and they also come in 3/0 size which is even thicker. Sailors Needles are pointed though so might be better for an altoids size kit.

Just realized you were in Seattle Nic - give MacPherson Leather a shout.

519 12th Avenue South
Seattle, Washington 98144
STORE HOURS:
Monday - Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday - 10 am to 3 pm

Toll Free: 800-343-9949
Phone: (206) 328-0855
Fax: (206) 328-0859

Also any of the boat places in town should have sailmaking needles.